Wednesday, October 29, 2008

A new blog find!


All I can say is Thank You Michelle Nichols!! I have a new fun blog to keep up with!!! I love the Favre family....even more now. To know they love the Lord and have a great family!!! Oh.....all you can say is Go Jets!!! Sorry honey.... :)

Click here....or see the side link to The Favre Family Blog. Good reading!!! Even if you aren't a Packer/Jet fan!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

God is our refuge & strength, an ever present help in trouble.....

Have you ever felt that you were losing control when your kids are out there making their own decisions and sometimes falling on their face at the same time? Yeah, right now is one of those times for me. I have such a controlling personality. I want to help….at least that is what I say to myself – but in all honesty it’s a controlling thing because of my fear that either my kids will fail and get hurt….or they will miss something.

God has been telling me daily….Let it go Shannon. I’ll do it Shannon. Don’t move on this Shannon. Let them work this out Shannon. Oh boy, I could go on. So I sit and pray. And pray and pray some more. The verse that tells us to pray without ceasing has never been so real for me. I find that each time I consider one of these situations we are walking through with our boys, I want to plan out a course of action – sit them down and pray with them and help them realize what they could do differently. I want to help them fix it.

That is not a bad thing – Not entirely. And there is a place to step in when our kids are at risk or need us. But there is a time for our kids to walk their spiritual journey all on their own, while they are in our homes under careful care and prayer. That is where I am. Trying to find a balance as a mom as they are learning to fly……before they leave my nest.

So, I hear this verse…..while I hear the Father telling me not to act right now… “Be still and know that I am God”. And I hear it, but I want to be sure God doesn’t need my help….you know what I mean? I know you do. How many times do you feel the need to work something out because you feel you can….and God needs you to do that right? Wrong….He needs us to be still. He needs me to be still and allow his spirit to work within my kids. He needs Kevin and I to lead them…but then he will allow his spirit to grow within them. They won’t be under my wing forever…and I know that, but truthfully, I don’t love knowing that. Not right now anyway.

As I was praying this morning for my family – the Lord also led me to Psalm 46. When I read it, I realized God is the help of my children just like he is for me. They are at an age where they will and can call out to God when they need something and he’ll be there. Just like he’s been there for me. I remember a few years back, our Pastor at the time – Pastor Culpepper talked about giving Canaan to your Kids. It was a great series on brining our kids up in the Lord. Anyway - during our prayer time, I confessed to God that I had issues with trusting him totally with my kids. I knew he created them…but I had to protect them from everything here on earth. And at that time – God gave me the vision of a big umbrella and my kids were under that umbrella. The umbrealla represented safety...and being under God. And I said, God…what if they move from under here….what if they go away from where we know they need to be. As clear as I heard Pastor Culpepper speaking that morning, I heard God speak so sweetly to me – “Then I will be there for them Shannon – just like I was for you”. Yes you were God – and I am so thankful. Help me to trust you more and listen to your voice so my kids can be all they are supposed to be in you.

If you are walking out this season of parenting……I’ll pray for you. And please….pray for me too!

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields [b] with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Friday, October 24, 2008

Girl Time

I know...this post is completely girly. I like that sometimes!!! I work for a great hotel and with absolutely GREAT people. I really feel blessed. Part of my job does have me traveling to Atlanta and some of our other hotels from time to time - which are all in the state of Alabama. Anyway, today I had a group of pastors and their wives come tour our hotel in Florence, Alabama. My job is to kind of be the host...tour them around and allow them to enjoy the property and all the great benefits....like spa! I am such a spa girl...I enjoy it in a BIG way. Anyway...so, tonight, we opted for spa treatments in lieu of doing dinner in the fine dining restaurant and then we all went back and had room service. That is my kind of night. So...while Kevin and my boys are sitting on my amazingly comfy couch watching Man Vs. Wild....I was totally enjoying my jammie time with room service while feeling quite relaxed from the spa time. Ah....now....I'll go to bed soon - but before I do.....here is a pic of my dinner....


Yeah....it was too late for a big dinner. ;)

Yeah...it wasn't very good.....can you tell?


And my movie....Sisterhood of the Pants 2.




And....now, I shall sleep. However, I'm reminded of the verse that has popped up in my life for the last couple of months....and tonight....it fits in a very practical way.

Hebrews 4:10 - 11
for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.


Does God ever just put scripture in front of you over and over again in the most unique ways. Maybe you hear a verse and feel moved. Then...you hear that verse on the radio or a friend shares it with you. Or....even a month later - you receive a greeting card with that very verse on the front! To me...that is God's creative way of saying...Hey you...I'm trying to tell you something. That is the way Heb 4:10 is for me. I know the full context of the verse is our afterlife...and that final rest. But that one section keeps coming up for me...like he wants me to hear something specific about the here and now. So....either He is telling me to get rest....or I'm the one falling by following the example of disobedience....I hope its the first. So...on that note - I'm going to rest in my big ole' comfy Marriott Bed. You know they do have great bedding packages....its true.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

All kids ARE NOT the same...and that is ok! (I'm reminding myself)

How is it that your children can be so different? Not only in looks…..but in personality as well. I know some siblings who are so much alike that they truly seem interchangeable. My kids….are not that!
I’m reminded of that with my 14 year old. Scout is truly a kid that marches to the beat of his own drum. Actually….all three of our boys have a bit of that. But…Scout’s drum beat……is not what most others hear as rhythm. You feel me?

As a mom – I think I started out thinking that I had to treat all three of our boys the same. Somewhere along our journey, I’ve learned that treating each fairly doesn’t always mean the same. That is hard for me to grasp sometimes. I’ve found through trial and error that their discipline and even acts of love need to look different in order to connect with them on a level where ‘they get it’. What works with my oldest is not necessarily going to work with my middle son. And what works with my middle son may not work with my youngest. AGGHHHHHH….you could go crazy trying to figure it out. But after years of trying….and still trying mind you, I’ve found that if I go to their creator….my boys ‘heavenly father’ in prayer he will direct my steps. The holy spirit works within me to prompt me…nudge me to move when there is a need. Some may say its that mom thing inside….and though that may be true…..nothing is just a ‘thing’. The Lord uses us as his tools each day when we listen to that little voice inside.

All of this thinking comes from watching my middle son try to find his place. He has a church trip this weekend and he could not be more excited. My oldest loved this particular trip too. Now he liked it because he swears Mentone is God’s country. He says it is one of those places that you truly just sit and find God everywhere you look. So, with knowing that – last year I was so excited for Scout to go too…..and you know….find God everywhere!!! Who wouldn’t want their son to have that??? So last year and this year alike….I begin to prep Scout for his big weekend encounter and I just wonder when I check out Scout’s packing list…..and his Bible didn’t make the list…but his new Star Wars Light saber and full blown Banana Suit did. You know…if you know my boys….you can just see Scout now with a big….no, ENORMOUS adorable smile on his face when he’s planning for the trip. I mean he is psyched.

There is a part of me as a mom that wants to reign that in….and say “but Scout…what about finding God on this trip… and the rocks…you know…finding God everywhere you look and stuff…….don’t miss that!!!!” And though there is nothing wrong with wanting those things for my boy…what if I AM the one missing all the stuff God has created that shows up right in front of my face, in my life each day. Like my incredibly silly, fun and talented son that is just packaged a little different than the more serious one. Wow….like a ton of bricks that thought hits me in the head. God created Scout and he knows him better than I do. And I bet….he laughs at him daily and that Scout brings so much joy to Him…..each time he puts on his banana suit or dreams one of his crazy dreams of doing something WAY OUT THERE.

I don’t know if you struggle with this, but if you do…you are not alone. Hello!! I’ve just put it all out there for myself. And I pray that as I learn this and walk this out….I’m a better mom for Max….and that I have less expectations for him to act like what has gone before him….because I am telling you……I see another Johnson boy….about to break the mold in an entirely different way.

Gen 1:26
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

You know, I need to be reminded at times that we are all made in His image….and not in the image of others. If what I see in my kids are reflections of the attributes that mirror Christ…….then what more could I ask for? I wouldn’t want anyone to want or expect anymore from me….. I know he is growing in the Lord and I know that the Lord will use him in the plan that he has just for Scout. I know this full well……. Psalm 139.

Oh……here is a picture of Scout with his Light saber……I’ll post one of the banana suit once he is finished stuffing it with ‘the right’ foam. I’m not kidding.




I'm going to go re-read Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages of Children. I should have finished that book!!!!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Just talked with the doctor

Dr. Shaver just called and told me that all lab work is back. His Hepititis test came back negative and all looks like it was caused by a severe case of Salmonella. Yep....pretty gross. It's been reported to the health department as well as the places he at on Saturday before he got sick.

Dr. Shaver said he is good to go back to school as he gets his strength back, but as far as football goes - he's out for at least the next two weeks. Which...because Spain is not in the running for playoffs...is pretty much the season.

Nick feels so much better today! He really does....this is Nick today.....



He's smiling again!!! :)

Thank you again so much for all of your prayers. I have no doubt the've helped with his healing and protection and overall well being!!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Life is Good

Thank you so much to all of you who have been praying for our son Nick while he has been sick this week. Though he is not 100%.....he is incredibly better. We see God working in him, making him better each day. We still await some test results that we should get probably Monday morning - but all indicates to this ordeal beginning with Salmonella. The preliminary tests came back Friday afternoon positive for Salmonella - but his liver enzymes were elevated more than when we first went to the hospital. This gave them cause to check for Hepatitis A. Which, out of all Hepatitis choices...that is good! It is just caused from bacteria and most cases you can only get it once! We'll take that one!

Thankful is the word that comes to mind when I think of our family who prayed and visited us. Who drove from Nashville just to say hello....(and do my laundry...and feed my kids..... etc etc) Thank you Ken, Kelly and Alec...that was more than sweet - it was a reprieve in our life!

I am blown away by two church families that love us so. Our kids are active within Metro and the youth ministry was awesome to pray over him in proxy during the Wednesday night service along with awesome people who came to visit and pray with Nick in the hospital.

My new church family at a2 was there the moment things happened. I got a call from our pastors wife while we were still in the ER. With all that was going on with our clean up and building program - we were being visited by even the pastor - and others who were busy cleaning and scraping up the floor!

Of course our VN and Tres Dias families were there.....where else would they be???? If you have not yet experienced a Tres Dias weekend....I challenge you to get there. Talk about a group having your back......

Spain Park High School has also been amazing. I have heard from almost all of his teachers in concern for him. They put his name on a prayer list at First Priority and his counselor even asked for Nick to drop in and they would discuss getting caught up on his missed assignments. The head football coach had some great personal words of encouragement for Nick. Life went on....but they took time out to check on him. I was so thankful.

Friends from all over called and messaged us through Facebook and email.

What does this mean? The body of Christ in action - and it is beautiful. We thank you because more than anything else we never felt alone or in need. We were so blessed and thank God for every person involved. We pay that you are in turn blessed and given much JOY for the joy you shared with us!!!!

1 Corinthians 12:26 - 27

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.


If you read chapter 12 in its entirety - you get the clear picture of 1 Corinthians based on what God wants us to see in regards to spiritual gifts and how we all connect together to work properly and effectively as a physical example of Christ.

We don't all have the same gifts....and that is such a good thing.

I am thankful for all of you who shared your gifts with us this week. Thank you and we love you!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Update on Nick





I don't have much of an update other than the doctors did say that Nick was responding well to his treatment. While that is good....we still don't have all the answers and results of his lab work. Please pray with us that we get that today. They took more blood this morning and our close friend who is a doctor at Brookwood pushed around on Nick's abdomen a bit....and it was still tender. A little too much I think. He also said with Nick on the pain meds still ever 3 hours, it might not be likely that he'll go home today. We hope for an update from our GI doctor soon.

God has blessed us with so many amazing friends. Awesome is all I can say. Not only did so many adults come in to pray over our sweet son......but a group of his friends came by to lay hands on him and pray as well. Nick's Muslim friend came along as well and found himself in the middle of a group of teens laying on hands....and claiming healing in the name of Jesus. God is good.

This is the group of kids that prayed over Nick.

This sweet visitor stayed a bit longer than the others....


Nick's friend Lucas dropped by late last night....right when he was getting his 'happy juice' as he calls it. The first 15 minutes afterwards.....are pretty fun for him.




I'll update more soon I hope...but for now, Nick is comfortable when the pain meds kick in. However, Kevin told me they were walking the halls at 1am last night trying to get Nick's mind off the pain in between doses. I'm going to relieve my husband now so he can sleep.....in something other than the hospital recliner.

Psalm 139
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.


Thank you Lord that you are EVERYWHERE we are....and that you never leave us....never!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Nickolas -meaning; Victorious People

I love when God speaks to you through others. Thank you to my sweet friend who sent an email to me reminding me that as we pray for my son to get better.....his name means Victorious. Oh yeah.....I knew that.

I do have a peace about my son right now. It's something in the center of my core - I know he will be fine and I felt good going to sleep last night. Don't get me wrong, I worried about him, but I felt that he was in the right place and had the right people around him to help him get better.

My friends email this morning simply said that she felt led to share the following with me;

I was praying for Nick tonight, and I really feel like the Lord showed me that there is a reason Nick's name is Nick. As you know, Nick means "victorious," and God is going to give him victory over this illness. You guys are making an incredible impact on the lives of children and their parents, and Satan can't stand it. I'm just going to keep praying for healing for Nick as well as for protection for your entire family.

Now, I don't know how much impact we are making, but I do pray that each person in my house is used to bring others to the Lord. That is what it is all about. And I do know that Satan will attack where he can.

So as I look back, I am encouraged, because I see that we have been down this road before. SERIOUSLY - Nick has gone through some crazy 'health' stuff for his young life and each time.....God brings him out just fine....and we say, "Wow....that was crazy". But this time.....I will be sure to say, Thank you Lord that you continue to win these battles over my son's health. Thank you Lord that you have a plan for Nick and it is good. Thank you Lord that you have called my son to do something.....whatever that something is.....great for you! And nothing...no NOTHING will stand in your way. I love that. It's a promise for me and my family. God is good.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Save the Date for the a2 Block Party!!!!!

a2 BLOCK PARTY - LOVE THE CITY

Sunday, October 19, 4:30-6:30 PM
Parking Lot of Future Site of a2 Church
600 Montgomery Highway, Suite 208
(Just above Pet Supermarket)



SHARE: a2 Team Members are invited to join us from 2:30 - 4:30 as we canvas the neighborhood with targeted prayer walks, door hangers and post cards. We'll invite everyone to join us for the block party.

CELEBRATE: At 4:30 we'll kick off the block party with good old fashioned fun including hotdogs, smores, chips, sodas, the works. Our goal? LOVE THE CITY. At around 5:30 one of the premiere bands in the country will join us.






Act of Congress will be our SPECIAL GUEST for the evening. AOC is the 2008 "Disc Makers Independent Music World Series" Winner. Their debut album titled "Declaration" recently Sold Out it's release concert at Workplay, "One of PASTE magazine's 40 best venues in America." They also have upcoming features in Billboard, Portico, and Birmingham magazines. AOC will present a live concert on the parking lot of a2. Invite your friends, neighbors, family and work associates to join you for a great evening under the stars. We'll wrap up the night with a brief pre-Grand Opening message by Chris.


Originally Posted by Chris Goins at www.chrisgoins.com

I love that he grants sleep to those he loves!

Psalm 127:2
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

I've read this verse quite a few times lately. Don't you just love it when God places His word in your path over and over, as if to say....HELLO!!!! Don't you see what I am trying to teach you? To show you???? I think God is trying to tell me to stop trying to do it all on my own...and to let him show me the more important things I should be doing. I love how sweet those words sound....'he grants sleep to those he loves'. Ah.....sleep a good thing......we should not try to get less in order to do more. Funny...THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DO! And now...I've read quite a few times, that doing that...is all in vain? It's like a ton of bricks are falling on my head...and I should be saying...DUH.

I was talking with my friends Shelley and Kay this past Friday about how fast we run and how over scheduled we seem to stay even with good things we think we are supposed to be involved in. Sometimes you have to take a step back and check your 'margins'. What are 'margins' you may ask?

I've been enjoying a devotional workbook by Patsy Clairmont and she talks very descriptively about the margins in our life. She talks about our lives as glasses of water and mentions that if we continue to fill them all the way up to the top....there is little room to add to every now and then. And we all know our lives are added to each day. The unexpected sick child, the friend who needs us, the extended family who misses us etc. And when our glasses are full....and these 'add to's' happen......we are over full and thus.....STRESSED!

I'm hearing God speak to me....I like the beginnings of the 127th Psalm too

Verse 1 - Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.

How much of what I do is driven by me? What would happen if I filtered everything I do through HIM? What a thought....It's a process.....I'm learning, I'll keep you updated.

But now, I must run and get Pepto for my 16 year old who has a less than cooperating stomach. Ah.....my first 'add to' of the day. :) Glad I had margins this morning.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Ok.....when you assume too much.


A friend once told me to never assume anything. She says that if we assume without asking....it makes a *&% out of you and me. Please accept my apologies if that offended you. I actually thought that statement was kind of funny because it really made sense of the letters inside the word...you know? Anyway....

I struggle sometimes with how frustrated I get because I assume my kids know better some times. Like Max today, when his first response was rudeness to his guests, I had to remind him what being the host is all about. You know, allowing them to go first, chose the game to play and being sure they have what they need to be comfortable? Like offering drinks, snacks, those kind of things. We had a quick heart to heart and he was good. We just had to get that out and he was reminded. I assumed he knew....and I was wrong. Or...maybe he did know and just needed his mom to remind him like they all do every now and then.

Scout has to be reminded about not sweating the little things. We got haircuts Saturday and he was mad that the lady moussed his hair and pulled it all up when conditioning it. He felt angry that she made him look silly. WHAT????? I had to remind him that nobody is out to get him. She was truly just cutting his hair and conditioning it with some leave in conditioning mousse. It was not her sinister plan to make Scout look silly. There was a guy Friday night that took Scout's hat and ran off with it. He eventually gave it back, but only after stomping on it. It seems as though he was not a Bama fan.....and didn't like the Alabama logo. Well, that got the best of Scout all night. I had to tell him to let it go....just let it go or you will waste loads of time being angry because someone was stupid. We washed the hat and all is well in the world again. But assuming Scout has the tools and the patience to deal with all of these situations could lead him feeling pretty lonely. Because I know Scout, I have to talk with him and help him get through these crazy situations and key down. It's just what we do.

Nick....has learned a great deal of assuming too. It seems as though this weekend, his girlfriend told him she needs more attention. Meaning, ask me out more. Meaning, when our plans fall through, take me somewhere different don't just go out with your friends, like he did on Saturday. Let's just say that did not go over well and she is putting the breaks on making sure he gets the message that she deserved better. I am proud of her actually. Her parents have raised her right. Without going into the whole situation, she felt slighted and feels that they have jumped from being best friends to girlfriend / boyfriend.....but sometimes the way Nick treats her on the weekends, feels like it always used to. And that for her...was not good enough. She loves the special things he does for her like the song, the flowers....but she wants to be 'courted' and taken out....alone not with his guy friends tagging along. Nick's response was, "I assumed that she was OK with those guys hanging out with us" . Because that is what they always did. Well...assuming has his girlfriend rethinking some things. And Nick....is on his toes now....because he's realizing how much he cares for her. So...we've had the talk about assuming and how important communication is.

The same goes with me within my marriage. When I assume Kevin is fine.......I might miss something. Every now and then, its vital to ask the question, how are we? Are you OK? Do you need something more from me than I am giving you? I find that when Kevin and I take time to ask each other, there is always something to work on and change. I admit, I have to take a time out usually to make the time to do that, but it is so worth it. To assume your lives are perfect just might......well you know.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

He's learning from the best

My son Nick recently asked a girl to go to Homecoming with him. You might have read a blog about that earlier. If not....check it out. It was sweet!!!! In fact, since that blog, things have developed into quite a relationship for those two. Talking to Nick tonight, he said it was cool that they are still able to be the best of friends. Its a great relationship for him...and I pray for her too. Tonight, he uploaded the video of him playing the song he wrote for that sweet girl. He posted the video on his Facebook and it was simply entitled Aly's Song. I'm telling you....he is a romantic and I love that. Kevin keeps telling him that romance is not just a one time thing. He went on to tell him that even though he asked her to Homecoming.....and its not for another few weeks...she thinks of it daily. And he needs to understand that and talk about it with her. Plan with her....we all like day dreaming with the one we like (love) don't we?

I see his dad in him in a big way. I truly am married to an amazingly romantic man. Kevin can make anything special...truly and I am so grateful for the way he loves me.

OK....I have to share this video with you. I'm a proud mama - he wrote this song himself. Not that it will every win a Grammy.....but it sure stole that sweet 16 year old girl's heart. One day....she'll think back and hopefully feel pretty special if she does not already.



Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it


OK...so I might be taking that out of context a bit. But I do think about what we are teaching our son. You know, what are we teaching him about loving a spouse and being a parent. Will I want him to mirror my actions.....or would I be disappointed to see him acting out what I do on a daily basis. Harsh thinking...maybe...but definitely worth thinking about. Right now, Kevin is training Nick and our other sons to cherish and treat girls like ladies. To romance them....in a good way. To know that they are precious and one day will be someones wife - if not his own so he should take great care in how he handles their heart, their minds and their bodies too. Can I get an amen???? Now that...is the way you should train up a child......and that is totally not taking that out of context.

Monday, October 6, 2008

When God Calls YOUR Name....


Wow, I am so excited to share what is going on in our lives. Since May of this year, we have been part of a vision to plant a new church in Birmingham, Alabama. The church is called a2. That alone has you asking questions doesn't it? It is a church that loves God and all His people. I know all churches do......its just that I am experiencing this in amazing ways right now where I am with a2. The reaching out to others has been such a blessing to me! Beginning this church has opened doors for me to share my faith with others, that I might not have had without this experience. a2 is a different church...we are in a storefront for goodness sakes. I never thought that would appeal to me...but sometimes, that is what is most appealing to others. Sharing a2, I'm finding that is simply what some people need and are craving.

Check out this video from our lead pastor Chris Goins. I watched it this morning and was more than excited! I can't wait!!

We are a body of believers that are totally excited to provide new opportunities for worship and encounters with Jesus. It's a church for those who might have given up on church in the past. A church that desires and longs to see what God sees in each and every person...... His image, people more than worthy to be reached out too....the reason we go to church and the reason each of us become Christians in the first place. It's all about Him. About the God who loves us all....equally, and gave his life for us...that we might go out and reach the lost, the ones who feel they have nowhere to go. The ones who feel....maybe church didn't 'work' for them last time. a2 will be a beacon for God's Love.

About a year ago...or possibly more, Kevin and I felt a stirring to do something. But, we didn't know what. It was like a restlessness that I can't explain any other way than to say it was just a sensing that God was leading us to do something different. We talked about many things....but nothing felt definitive in that we knew it was where God wanted us. We've talked occasionally about the mission field and what that would mean for our family.....one day...would that be our calling??? Well, in hearing about A2, and the plans that were unfolding - we became more and more drawn to the vision. Once we heard the plan - we knew - we both knew immediately God wanted us to be part of this church plant. Once we both said out loud our feelings, and agreement - we no longer felt that restlessness. When God calls you to do something you can run and run, but you will not find rest. When you submit and commit....you might be busier than you've ever been in your life - but your soul will find rest...that is for sure.


Take a moment and read Acts chapter 2...its not long. Click here.

These verses sum up a2 for me;

The Fellowship of the Believers

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


I praise God for my new church family and I pray many blessings for those involved in this amazing adventure. It's my privilege to run this race along side all of you!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

The Scouting Adventure



Last night I had fun helping to chaperon Max's Scout troop to the library. THE LIBRARY. I was thinking we'd see some cool stuff - like books.....you know typical library stuff. Well, it was a different kind of Library. This was the Lister Hill Library of Health Sciences. There was a reason the Scout Master thought the boys would enjoy this. It was full of medical specimens, antique tools, waxed models of the most gross things ever.....and Max thought it was totally cool. They loved it. I had to laugh a bit.

But seriously, as we walked through the unique things held within that library, I was constantly drawn to the stained glass window that was in the foyer. It was a beautiful stained glass picture from the mid 1800's that depicted the story of the woman in the Bible who knew if she could only touch the hem of Jesus's garment, she would be healed from her 'bleeding' disease. Appropriately enough - this window graced the foyer of the first women's clinic in New York city from the mid 1850's until the 1960's when it was brought to UAB by a doctor who had visited that clinic in New York and fell in love with the glass work.



In between the grotesque models, the livers and kidney specimens that held cancerous tumors.....there was beauty. And a reminder that he holds the power over all illness and oddity. He is God and he chooses to heal, or provide ultimate healing by taking us home. He allows things to happen at times for a greater good....that we have a hardtime finding, but we know, we never leave the palm of his hand. Wow...he is a big, big God.

Some of the gross things that were in the glass dishes at the library.

More specimens...

I love that Christian doctors get to enjoy the amazing gift of understanding the human body with the understanding that our great God created each of us differently. He created the human body and all the organs inside to work like a machine.....sometimes perfect...sometimes needing help. Just cool to think about.

Well, Max had fun and he is truly enjoying Boy Scouts. He's a Weeblo now. I am proud of him. I've always enjoyed Boyscouts. I remember when Nick and Scout were in Scouting. I always felt that they learned great stuff...real life stuff that would help them as they grow up. Last night....Max learned that going to the library can be really cool. Especially when you get to see gross organs that have been pickled and wax figures of gout, smallpox and whatever was wrong with the head that captured the boys attention!

You can see Max pointing here.....

He wanted the group shot too!


I thought this was funny.......click on the picture to see a larger text.

But wrapping up everything from last night........it all comes down to this for me;

And suddenly a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment; for she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made whole.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you whole.” And the woman was made well from that hour. (Matthew 9:20-22)